Report Central African Republic May Be Next Black African Country to Resume Diplomatic Ties with Isr

August 25, 1983

JERUSALEM (Aug. 24)

The Central African Republic will probably be the next Black African country to resume diplomatic relations with Israel, it was reported today by Israel Radio. According to the report, Israel and the Central African Republic signed an agreement to resume ties several weeks ago.

President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire was reported instrumental in persuading the republic to follow Zaire and Liberia in their resumption of diplomatic relations with Israel. Zaire renewed its ties last May, and Liberia did so last week.

LIBERIA SEEKS ISRAELI MILITARY AID

Meanwhile, President Samuel Doe of Liberia met with Defense Minister Moshe Arens today and the two discussed possible Israeli military aid to Liberia. Talking to reporters after their meeting, Arens said Liberia is “very concerned” about Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi “and Libyan subversion throughout Africa.” Liberia had already asked Israel to supply intelligence on Libyan activity in Africa.

Arens said that no details have been worked out on this issue of military aid but that Israel would probably start by providing military advice and training to Liberia and might provide arms later.

In previous meetings over the last two days of Doe’s four-day state visit to Israel, it was agreed that Israeli agricultural experts would soon leave for Liberia to examine that country’s farm problems and draw up an aid plan. There was also agreement to help Liberia set up national air and shipping lines and for Israel to send eye specialists.